July 15, 2025 – The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission based in Camilla, Georgia location] has recently been recognized with a 2025 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Southwest Georgia Ecosystem Building Project for the second year in a row. This sub-project is for Workforce Development Training Equipment in local High Schools. Through the Southwest Georgia Ecosystem Project under the Georgia AIM program, four Southwest Georgia High Schools received funds for the purchase of in-classroom equipment through their respective College Technical Agricultural Education programs specifically for workforce development initiatives. Mitchell County High School received funds to purchase a smart manufacturing laboratory to teach the next generation of manufacturing skills to future students. Colquitt County High Schools received funds for an Anatomage Table for their Allied Health program, a Heavy Equipment Simulator, and a Fire Emergency Simulator. Early County schools received funding for their Vet Science Program. Dougherty County received funding for Unmanned Aircraft Education and AI Implementation Educational Training materials. Presented annually, the NADO Impact Awards honor regional development organizations and their partners for strengthening communities, building regional resilience, and enhancing local economies through innovative approaches to economic and community development. This year’s cohort included 90 impactful projects led by 79 organizations across 24 states. All selected projects are featured in an interactive StoryMap that showcases summaries, images, and key partners. The map is available at www.nado.org/2025impactawards/ . “The Impact Awards are an annual reminder of the creativity and commitment that regional development organizations bring to their communities,” said 2024-2025 NADO President Rick Hunsaker, Executive Director of the Region XII Council of Governments in Iowa. “This year’s awardees show how local and regional partnerships, driven by vision and collaboration, can lead to lasting positive change across our country.” Suzanne Angell, Executive Director of the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission is very excited to be awarded a 2025 NADO Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award and for the work we are doing as a member of the Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (GA AIM) Coalition. GA AIM is a statewide initiative targeted toward fostering economic growth by developing and expanding AI manufacturing and workforce development. We are very proud of this particular project under the GA AIM grant, which provided AI driven equipment for several of our local high school CTAE programs. This equipment is instrumental in providing exciting new pathways and opportunities for students as they move into adulthood and eventually choose a career.” The Impact Awards are presented in memory of Aliceann Wohlbruck, NADO’s first executive director, who was a lifelong advocate for regional solutions and rural economic development. For more information, contact Beka Shiver, Economic Development Planner, 229-522-3552, bshiver@swgrc.org About NADO The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) promotes public policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through the regional strategies, coordination efforts, and program expertise of the nation’s regional development organizations. Learn more about NADO at www.nado.org .

The City of Damascus is excited to announce the release of its official bid solicitation for the Damascus City Park and Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project. This transformative effort—funded by a Georgia Parks & Recreation INODIC Grant—will improve access, safety, and recreational opportunities in the community by upgrading local roads and enhancing the city park. Project Overview The project includes the construction of approximately 800 linear feet of asphalt paved roadway, a new parking area, and a revitalized playground space—all designed to benefit residents and visitors alike. Bid Submission Deadline Sealed bids must be submitted by Monday, August 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM (local time) to Damascus City Hall, located at 8120 Joe Bryan Street, Damascus, GA 39841. Late submissions will not be considered. Who Should Apply? This opportunity is ideal for qualified general contractors with previous experience in similar road and recreational infrastructure projects. All bidders must be properly licensed in Georgia and listed on the official plan holders list maintained by York & Associates Engineering, Inc. Key Requirements Bid Bond or Certified Cashier’s Check for 5% of total bid Valid Georgia General Contractor License Proof of Insurance and Workers’ Compensation 100% Performance and Payment Bonds Prior successful project experience (must be documented) Timeline The selected contractor will be required to complete the project within 120 consecutive calendar days from the date of Notice to Proceed. How to Obtain Bid Documents Plans, specifications, and bid forms may be requested from: York & Associates Engineering, Inc. 308 E. Water Street, Bainbridge, GA 39817 Email: info@yorkassociates.net Phone: (229) 248-0141 Important Note: Only bidders who acquire documents directly from York & Associates and are listed on the official Bidders List will be eligible to submit bids. The City of Damascus and the SWGRC are committed to ensuring that all work is performed in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For questions or assistance, contact Damascus City Hall at (229) 725-4970.

Now Hiring: Director of Transportation for Southwest Georgia Regional Commission

Safety and Healthy living Multi-State Funding Opportunities: Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program/Conserve Georgia Grants, Recreational Trails Program, Land and Water Conservation Fund, and Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) funding Opportunities: Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program, Safety Equipment Purchase Program (SEPP), Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Council (REBC) Grants, and Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG). Federal Funding Opportunities: Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grants, Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grants, Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grants, Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) Grants, Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning and Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants (United States Environmental Protection Agency).

Camilla, GA – The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) is inviting residents, officials, businesses, and community partners to participate in two upcoming virtual meetings aimed at gathering public input for two important regional initiatives: a Regional Housing Assessment and a Solar Farm Assessment. As part of a summer internship program in partnership with Georgia Tech’s Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN), SWGRC interns William Price and Tara Liu will be leading the efforts to assess housing needs and the environmental and economic impacts of solar farms in the region. To support their data collection and community engagement efforts, the interns will host virtual public meetings on two separate dates. The first round of meetings will take place on Tuesday, July 8, with the Housing Assessment meeting beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Solar Farm Assessment meeting at 10:00 a.m. A second opportunity to participate will be held on Thursday, July 10, at the same times. Community members are encouraged to attend the sessions to share insights, ask questions, and learn more about the scope and goals of these regional projects. Links to join the meetings: TUESDAY, JULY 8TH Regional Housing Assessment 🕙9:00 AM Meeting Solar Farm Assessment 🕙10:00 AM Meeting THURSDAY, JULY 10TH Regional Housing Assessment 🕙9:00 AM Meeting Solar Farm Assessment 🕙10:00 AM Meeting In addition to the meetings, residents are also encouraged to complete online surveys for each project to help build a stronger, data-driven understanding of the region’s current conditions and future needs. For more information, visit the SWGRC website at www.swgrc.org or contact William Price or Barbara Reddick at (229) 522-3552.

Help Save Southwest Georgia’s History: Nominate a Site for the 2026 Places in Peril List The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Places in Peril list, and the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission encourages our communities to participate in this vital opportunity to protect and preserve our region’s historic heritage. Each year, the Places in Peril program spotlights historic sites across Georgia that are at risk due to neglect, demolition, inappropriate development, or public policy challenges. This initiative is a powerful tool for raising awareness, mobilizing community support, and ultimately saving the landmarks that define our shared past. Why Nominate? Do you know of a historic structure, cultural landscape, or archaeological site in your town that’s in danger of being lost? Whether it’s an old schoolhouse, church, neighborhood, or commercial building, your nomination can bring statewide attention to its plight and potentially unlock support to help preserve it for future generations. What Makes a Good Nomination? To be eligible, a site must: Be 50 years old or older Face a serious threat to its existence or integrity Have the potential to inspire public support Nominations are due by September 1, 2025. Explore Past Success Stories Not sure where to start? You can find inspiration in past Places in Peril success stories. Communities across Georgia have rallied to save courthouses, train depots, African American heritage sites, and more—proving that meaningful preservation is possible when people take action. 📍 View Places in Peril Successes 📍 Submit a Nomination Today Let’s ensure that the unique history of Southwest Georgia is not forgotten. Nominate a place that matters and help us preserve the cultural fabric of our region—one site at a time.

Columbus, GA — May 2, 2025 — The River Valley Regional Commission (RVRC), in partnership with the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission (SWGRC) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), hosted an impactful one-day workshop to support local governments in the development and updating of their Pre-Hazard Mitigation Plans (PHMP). Held at the RVRC office in Columbus, Georgia, the training provided both in-person and virtual attendance options, bringing together over fifteen participants from across the state. This timely session focused on helping communities align with the latest Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines and GEMA requirements—both of which are essential for PHMP approval and access to federal mitigation funding. Invited speakers included Alex Park of GEMA and Olukayode “Kay” Olubowale of SWGRC, both of whom brought technical expertise and practical insights to the discussion. Their guidance helped clarify expectations and build local capacity for hazard mitigation planning. The workshop addressed a wide range of critical topics essential to PHMP development, including: GEMA and FEMA guidelines and documentation for contract compliance Collection and identification of essential and critical facilities for the Hazus report Planning process steps and plan maintenance strategies FEMA’s Local Mitigation Plan Review Tool and multi-jurisdictional planning considerations Identification of natural and non-natural hazards Development of goals and actionable strategies for hazard mitigation Understanding the distinction between essential and critical facilities Completion of Worksheets 1–4 and frequency table calculations Plan update, adoption, and integration of required appendices (A–E) Access to official FEMA and GEMA web links to support PHMP preparation This collaborative training effort reflects a shared commitment to enhancing community resilience across Georgia. By equipping local planners and emergency managers with the tools and knowledge to navigate complex planning requirements, the regional commissions and GEMA are fostering safer, more disaster-resilient communities. For more information or to access PHMP resources, visit the official FEMA website at https://www.fema.gov or contact your local regional commission.

The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) is once again stepping up to support transformative economic development in underserved rural communities through its 2025 SEID Grant Program. With up to \$25 million in funding available across the region, SCRC invites local governments, nonprofits, and other eligible entities to attend its free, virtual **Pre-Application Technical Assistance Training** to better understand how to position their projects for success. Two opportunities are available for the SEID Pre-Application Training: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:30 AM ET Join ZoomGov Meeting Meeting ID: 160 056 2585 | Passcode: 441362 Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET Join ZoomGov Meeting Meeting ID: 160 035 2144 | Passcode: 988672 Training Overview: Why You Should Attend These free Zoom-based sessions offer an invaluable chance to: Gain clarity on eligibility requirements and funding priorities Learn tips for developing a competitive pre-application Ask questions and receive real-time guidance from SCRC and your state’s Program Manager Connect with Local Development Districts, current grantees, and other prospective applicants If your organization is considering submitting a SEID pre-application, attending one of these sessions is a crucial first step. About the SEID Grant Program The SEID (Strengthening Economic Infrastructure and Development) Grant Program is a regional funding initiative designed to: Prepare a Ready Workforce Support Economic Development Efforts to Attract and Retain Jobs Improve Healthcare Access and Quality Address Critical Infrastructure Needs Support Agricultural Innovation and Sustainability Eligible applicants include local governments, tribal governments, nonprofits, and institutions of higher education located within the SCRC service area. The SEID grant can fund both construction and non-construction projects. The pre-application deadline is rapidly approaching—projects must be submitted well in advance of the anticipated award deadline of September 30, 2025. Entities are encouraged to prepare now and use this technical assistance opportunity to refine their project ideas and align them with the region's strategic priorities. Take the Next Step Don’t miss this chance to bring meaningful investment to your community. Whether you’re a seasoned grant writer or a first-time applicant, this training will help you understand the SEID program’s potential to create lasting regional change. For more details and to access the grant guidelines, visit https://grants.scrc.gov/ or SCRC State Program Manager: Georgia Brittany Pittman Georgia Department of Community Affairs Phone: 706-508-7381 Email: Brittany.pittman@dca.ga.gov

Columbus, Georgia | May 15–16, 2025 Last week, planners and leaders from across Georgia gathered at the historic Columbus Convention and Trade Center for the Community Planning Institute (CPI), hosted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). This two-day intensive provided a deep dive into the policies, tools, and funding resources that local governments can leverage to strengthen their communities. Representing the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, Sheena Stephens, Planning Assistant, and Jennifer Pittman, Grant Writer, joined professionals from across the state to sharpen their skills and bring back actionable insights to benefit communities across our region. Why CPI Matters for Our Region The CPI training is not just another conference—it’s a critical learning hub for rural and urban planners alike. Through sessions on zoning enforcement, affordable housing, and engagement strategies for comprehensive plans, the institute equips attendees with actionable strategies and compliance insights essential for local government planning and grant writing. For a region like Southwest Georgia, where collaborative planning is key to long-term growth, the CPI provides the knowledge base to align our goals with state requirements and funding opportunities. Highlights from the agenda included: “Planning Essentials in Georgia” by Juli Yoder, AICP, of DCA, offering foundational knowledge for both new and seasoned planners. Affordable Housing Planning and a Rural Workforce Housing Tour, led by Cathy Williams of NeighborWorks Columbus, showcasing innovative solutions to one of our region’s most urgent needs. A dynamic session on Using CDBG Funds to Implement Comprehensive Plans, presented by Glenn Misner of DCA, which resonated deeply with attendees who work regularly in grant development. The Power of Place: Columbus Sets the Bar Beyond the learning, the City of Columbus exemplified what it means to host with hospitality. Attendees were welcomed with a curated discount flyer from Visit Columbus, highlighting exclusive deals at over 25 local businesses—from The Black Cow and Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant to local gems like Uptown Float Spa and Ride On Bikes. Whether it was \$10 off whitewater rafting or a sweet treat at Kilwins, Columbus made every effort to ensure visitors could enjoy the city’s charm and culture. Optional walking tours, a scenic downtown dinner, and even a post-dinner happy hour brought participants together in meaningful ways, proving that networking and relationship-building are just as important as policy discussions. Final Thoughts Participation in trainings like CPI is an investment in our region’s leadership capacity and policy alignment. As planners, community advocates, and regional stakeholders, it is our responsibility to stay informed, connected, and ready to implement change. Let’s continue to show up together—for our cities, for our counties, and for the region we all call home. Next CPI Training: October 28-29, 2025 Brasstown Valley Resort Young Harris, Ga Registration Link Coming Soon !!! https://dca.georgia.gov/community-assistance/coordinated-planning/local-planning/community-planning-institute Contact for more information about CPI: Daniel Gaddis , AICP Outreach Coordinator Email: Daniel.Gaddis@dca.ga.gov Direct: 404-679-4934